The Hand That Holds the Mic: Johnny Hand, the Voice of Franklin County
- Terri Carter
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
From husband to father to Franklin County commissioner, Johnny Hand wears many hats, but perhaps none more proudly than that of community supporter. Whether he's behind the mic at a high school football game or lending his voice to a local Veterans ceremony, Hand is a familiar and beloved presence across the county. His dedication to Franklin County sports and civic life runs deep, touching nearly every corner of the community.
Hand married his wife, Kristie, originally from Cowan, 27 years ago. Twenty years ago, they made the move back to Franklin County, planting roots where Kristie had once walked the halls of Cowan Elementary and South Middle School. Now in her 21st year of teaching at South Middle, Kristie continues to shape young lives, just as she did for their twin daughters, Jada and Jena, who also attended the school. The couple’s story began with a job interview in Cookeville, Tennessee, but it has grown into a life of shared purpose and service.
Johnny recently completed his 19th season as the football announcer for South Middle School, his 16th for Franklin County High School, and his 14th for North Middle School. This year marks his fourth season announcing basketball games for FCHS. He also owns a DJ business, serving as the wedding package DJ at Twin Creeks and spinning tunes for school dances, proms and pep rallies. An Air Force veteran, Hand performs annually at the county’s Veterans ceremony, now joined by his daughters in a touching family tradition. He’s also been a proud contributor to Cowan Elementary’s Patriots Play for the past 14 years, further cementing his role as a cornerstone of community life.
Johnny is the voice behind “The Afternoon Handoff,” a weekday radio show airing from 2 to 4 p.m. on ESPN Radio-Winchester. While sports remain a central theme by highlighting local athletes, coaches and game-day moments, the show is evolving to include more of the stories that shape Franklin County. From school events and community initiatives to interviews with local leaders and everyday heroes, Johnny brings a conversational, hometown feel to the airwaves. His goal is to keep listeners informed, entertained and connected to the people and places that make Franklin County feel like home.
“We want to make sure we’re spotlighting and highlighting all of the local action.”, said Hand. “And not just on the ballfields. We’re excited to talk to the band members and other things.”
Johnny’s twin daughters, Jena and Jada Hand, are 16 years old and deeply involved in athletics and community life, having been raised in a household where service and school spirit were simply part of the rhythm.
“They don’t know any different,” stated Hand. “I’ve been the football announcer longer than they’ve been alive.”
As a county commissioner and longtime voice of Franklin County sports, Johnny has always emphasized the importance of showing up and giving back.
“I tell them this is their hometown,” he said. “They can listen to the negative stuff, or they can be part of the good. And being a part of the good means you have to be involved.”
For Jena and Jada, that message has taken root, not just in the stands or on the field, but in how they carry themselves as young leaders in the making. Jada Hand does cross country, track, and cheer. And Jena Hand does cheer and track. They both sing and both are members of the National Beta Club.
Having a place in community comes from a personal place for Johnny Hand. His mother, having had him at the age of 15, moved around for the majority of his young life. He attended seven different elementary schools, four different high schools, lived in three different states, and was enlisted in the United States Air Force for four years.
“I moved around a lot so, to me, it is very important.”, said Hand. “I take great pride in the fact that my girls came home from the hospital to our house. My wife came home from the hospital to the house next door. And her dad and her grandmother came home from the hospital to the house across the field. So that stability is something I never had. I tell my girls, and all the kids, it doesn’t matter where you came from. You are not limited by anything other than yourself.”
Though Johnny Hand has spent much of the past 30 years working in finance, his community-oriented personality stretches back even further, speaking somewhat to the new role he will be taking on at the radio station. This year marks his 40th anniversary as a music DJ, a role he’s embraced since his teenage years, and he’s been singing since the age of 5.
“This is something I’ve dabbled in for a long time,” Hand said. “The timing seems right, and I’m giving it a shot and seeing what happens.”
What excites him most about his radio show isn’t just the sports coverage, but the chance to connect to community.
“We’re going to talk about things that are local, and that’s what matters to me,” he said. “It’s not just about sports. Sports is what we do, but you can’t be in a town this size and be all sports, all the time. Underneath those helmets and jerseys, those are kids. We want to dive into that and take care of those kids. That’s your future mayor.”
Hand is approaching his new role at the radio station with the same heart and humility that have defined every chapter of his life. Whether in finance, public service, music or fatherhood, he’s led with love, faith and an unwavering commitment to community. It’s that consistency of showing up, lifting others, and staying rooted in what matters that has made Johnny Hand more than a familiar voice. He’s become a trusted presence, a steady hand, and a pillar of Franklin County. And as he turns the dial toward new conversations and deeper connections, the community he’s served so faithfully will be listening. Because when Johnny speaks, it always comes from a place of care and support.
